<i>Schefflera digitata</i>(Schefflera digitata) hero image

Pāte

Schefflera digitata

Not specified

This native plant, known as Pāte(scientific name: Schefflera digitata ), is a remarkable species endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its unique features, ecological role, and cultural significance. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, propagation, and importance within the New Zealand ecosystem. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for Browse All .

<i>Schefflera digitata</i>(Schefflera digitata) showing <i>Schefflera digitata</i>growth habit
Image credit: Pāte ( Schefflera digitata ) - Photo via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Identification and Physical Characteristics

Pāte ( Schefflera digitata ), also known by its Māori names pātē, pātē-tē, pātātē, kōtētē, and common names like seven-finger or umbrella tree, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree endemic to New Zealand Discover more about native grasses. It is the only New Zealand representative of the genus Schefflera. It is a small, spreading tree that can grow up to 8 meters high with stout, irregularly branched trunks. The leaves are palmate, meaning they fan out like fingers on a hand, typically with three to nine (often seven) soft, thin leaflets. New foliage can emerge light green with pink-red veins, maturing to dark green. The leaflets have sharply serrated margins. Greenish flowers emerge in the summer, arranged in large, multi-branched panicles up to 35 cm across, with small greenish-cream flowers in umbels. These are followed by fleshy, round, dark purple to black fruits, about 3.5 mm in diameter, which ripen in two to three months. It prefers damp, shady parts of lowland to lower montane forests, from sea level up to 1,200 meters, and is commonly found along stream banks and shady forest roadsides.

Quick Facts

Schefflera digitata quick facts
Scientific Name Schefflera digitata
Height 3 - 8 m
Spread 2 - 4 m
Water Needs High; prefers consistently moist soil
Light Partial shade to full sun
Frost Tolerance Moderate; can be damaged by heavy frosts
Salt Tolerance Low
Growth Rate Fast
Lifespan Tree

Climate Best Suited to

Schefflera digitata is well adapted to various New Zealand regions.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Schefflera digitata
City Climate Suitability
Auckland High
Wellington High
Christchurch Medium

Plant Habitat

Natural Occurrence and Ecology

Pāte ( Schefflera digitata ), also known as seven-finger or umbrella tree, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree endemic to New Zealand. It is found throughout the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island, from sea level up to 1,200 meters (3,900 ft).Lowland to Lower Montane Forests:This species thrives in damp, shady parts of lowland to lower montane forests, indicating its preference for sheltered and moist conditions.Stream Banks and Forest Roadsides:It is commonly seen along stream banks and on shady forest roadsides, where it benefits from consistent moisture and protection from direct sunlight.Damp and Shady:Pāte prefers damp, shady, and humid conditions, reflecting its natural understory habitat.Soil:It thrives in fertile, moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, mimicking forest floor conditions.Frost Tolerance:It can tolerate moderate frosts but may be damaged by heavy frosts.The widespread distribution and preference for damp, shaded forest environments of Schefflera digitata underscore its ecological importance in contributing to the biodiversity and structural complexity of New Zealand's native forests.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

  • Well-drained
  • Loamy

Light Requirements

Grows best in partial to full sun.

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade

Water Requirements

Requires regular watering during dry periods.

  • Regular
  • Drought tolerant once established

Planting and Establishing

Establishment Guidance

Plant Schefflera digitata in a hole twice the width of the root ball.

Proper establishment is key to long-term success. Ensure the planting hole is twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost. Initial watering should be thorough, followed by regular monitoring during the first two growing seasons to ensure the plant becomes well-anchored and resilient to local climate fluctuations.

Ecological Role

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact

Provides habitat and food for native fauna.

This species plays a vital role in its local ecosystem, providing essential habitat and food sources for native biodiversity. Its presence supports complex ecological interactions, contributing to the overall health and stability of the environment. By planting this native, you help maintain the intricate web of life that defines New Zealand's unique natural heritage.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Ideal for rock gardens and native borders.

  • Rock gardens
  • Ground cover

Ecological Value

Supports local pollinators.

  • Birds
  • Insects

The versatility of this plant makes it a valuable addition to many New Zealand gardens. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers practical benefits such as soil stabilization and shelter for smaller plants. Its historical and modern uses highlight its enduring importance in both traditional practices and contemporary landscape design, making it a thoughtful choice for any restoration or gardening project.

Landscaping Uses

Adds texture and form to modern landscapes.

In a landscape setting, this plant provides excellent structure and year-round interest. Its unique form and foliage can be used to create focal points or as a cohesive element in a larger native planting scheme. It pairs well with other New Zealand natives, allowing for the creation of diverse and resilient garden environments that reflect the natural beauty of Aotearoa.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

Mulch and apply balanced fertilizer.

  • Fertilize
  • Mulch

Summer

Water deeply during dry spells.

  • Water
  • Check for pests

Autumn

Tidy up any dead foliage.

  • Prune lightly
  • Plant new specimens

Winter

Protect from heavy frosts if necessary.

  • Frost protection

When to Prune and How Much

Minimal pruning required to maintain shape.

  • Remove dead branches

Always use clean, sharp tools.

Regular maintenance through careful pruning ensures the plant remains healthy and maintains its desired shape. Focus on removing dead or diseased wood to promote better air circulation and prevent the spread of pathogens. Proper pruning techniques help the plant direct its energy toward new growth, resulting in a more robust and aesthetically pleasing specimen in your garden.

How to Grow Pāte

Cultivating Schefflera digitata ( Schefflera digitata ) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's unique flora. This species can be propagated through several methods, each requiring specific conditions to ensure healthy growth and establishment. Successful propagation depends on mimicking the plant's natural environment and providing consistent care during the early stages of development.

From Seed

Propagation from seed is often the most effective way to produce a large number of Schefflera digitata plants. Seeds should be collected when they are fully mature. Freshly collected seeds generally have higher germination rates than those that have been stored for long periods.

Sow fresh seeds in a seed-raising mix.

  1. Collect seeds
  2. Sow in trays

Keep moist until germination.

From Cuttings

For those wishing to replicate specific characteristics of a parent plant, vegetative propagation via cuttings is the preferred method. This technique ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the source. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the appropriate season usually yield the best results for this species.

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

  1. Take cuttings
  2. Use rooting hormone

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Schefflera digitata , other methods such as division or layering might also be viable options. Division is particularly suitable for plants that form dense clumps or have spreading root systems, while layering can be used for species with trailing or flexible stems.

Division can be done in early spring.

  1. Divide clumps
  2. Replant immediately

Pests & Diseases

Generally resistant to major pests.

While generally resilient, maintaining optimal growing conditions is the best defense against pests and diseases. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of any issues, which can often be managed through cultural practices or organic interventions. Ensuring good air circulation and appropriate watering will significantly reduce the plant's susceptibility to common environmental stresses and pathogens.

Cultural Significance

Schefflera digitata , commonly known as pātē, seven-finger, or umbrella tree, holds significant cultural importance in New Zealand, particularly for the Māori people. Its cultural value is deeply rooted in traditional ecological knowledge and practical uses. The large, distinctive palmate leaves of pātē were occasionally used for wrapping and as temporary shelter. The wood was utilized by Māori to create fire by friction. Historical records also indicate its use in making artifacts such as adze sockets and teka(darts). The sap of the pātē tree has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, specifically to treat ringworm and sores on the skin. The leaves contain falcarindiol, a compound that exhibits activity against skin fungi like ringworm. The plant's ability to indicate specific forest conditions made it important in traditional ecological knowledge. It is also the most common host forDactylanthus taylori, a parasitic plant known to the Māori as pua-o-te-reinga, or "the flower of the underworld." Pātē is one of New Zealand's most distinctive native trees and continues to hold cultural value, featuring in contemporary forest restoration and cultural education programs. It has several Māori names, including pātē, pātē-tē, pātātē, and kōtētē. The dark juice from its berries was also used as ink.

  • Traditional medicine
  • Crafts

Bonus Tip

Excellent for low-maintenance gardens.

For an extra boost, consider applying a thin layer of high-quality organic mulch around the base of the plant. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually improves soil structure as it breaks down. This simple step can make a significant difference in the plant's overall vigor and resilience, especially during periods of extreme weather.

Plant Conservation

Conservation Status

Schefflera digitata , commonly known as pātē or seven-finger, is a tree species endemic to New Zealand. Its current conservation status is classified as "Not Threatened" by the NZPCN. While Schefflera digitata itself is not considered threatened, it is an important host for the parasitic plantDactylanthus taylori, also known as "wood rose," which is threatened with extinction, partly due to poaching for curios.